By Canadian Press

Quebec to spend $31 to boost security at courthouses after violent incidents

Jun 3, 2024 | 9:44 AM

LONGUEUIL, Que. — The Quebec government is pledging $31 million to add security checkpoints and more special constables to the province’s courthouses after recent violent incidents that raised safety concerns.

Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette and Public Security Minister François Bonnardel made the announcement today in Longueuil, where an interpreter was seriously injured in a courthouse knife attack early this year.

Part of the funding announced today will allow walk-through metal detectors to be added at nine courthouses by fall 2025, including in Longueuil, Laval, and Quebec City.

The bulk of the funding — $23.4 million — will go toward training and hiring more special constables, who are responsible for ensuring security in courthouses.

A number of groups representing Quebec justice system workers have been lobbying the government to increase security at courts after the Jan. 9 Longueuil knife attack and a more recent alleged assault of a youth protection worker at the courthouse in Sherbrooke.

niche amenities

Trio of community park projects advancing in Nanaimo

5h ago

final farewell

Family, friends and fans to gather at memorial for former B.C. premier John Horgan

6h ago

holiday vibes

Grizzlies spoil Clippers' teddy bear toss night

13h ago

As of earlier this year, only certain Montreal-area courthouses had airport-style security in place with metal detectors and X-ray equipment.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2024.

The Canadian Press